The Ministry of Power (MoP) has released guidelines for the installation and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, specifically focusing on battery swapping technology. These guidelines aim to promote the adoption of battery swapping as an alternative method of powering EVs.
It may be recalled that revised guidelines for the installation and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on September 17, 2024. These guidelines aimed to promote the adoption of EVs by creating a robust and accessible charging network.
Key Points from the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Battery Swapping and Charging Stations
The guidelines apply to providers of swappable batteries, as well as owners and operators of battery charging stations and battery swapping stations located anywhere in India.
The primary goals of these guidelines are to:
- Promote battery swapping as an alternative to traditional charging methods.
- Foster the development of a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model
- Facilitate the establishment of a battery swapping ecosystem.
Owners of battery charging stations or battery swapping stations can utilize their existing electricity connections for charging swappable batteries, with or without increasing the connected load.
Larger vehicles like trucks and buses may deploy liquid-cooled swappable batteries for efficient charging and swapping.
Significance of Battery Swapping
Battery swapping offers a convenient and time-efficient solution for EV drivers, especially for those with limited charging infrastructure access. By quickly swapping discharged batteries for fully charged ones, battery swapping can reduce charging times and increase the range and usability of EVs.
These guidelines seek to provide a framework for the development of battery swapping infrastructure, which can accelerate the adoption of EVs in India. Battery swapping can make EVs more accessible and attractive to a wider range of consumers.
